Great Britain

Definition

Great Britain refers to the island comprising England, Scotland, and Wales. During the time of the Industrial Revolution, it was at the forefront of global industrial development due to several factors such as its abundant natural resources, stable political climate, favorable geography for trade, and access to colonial markets.

Related terms

Coal: An essential resource for powering steam engines during industrialization. Great Britain had vast coal deposits that played a significant role in driving its industrial growth.

Enclosure Movement: A series of laws passed in Great Britain that allowed landowners to consolidate small plots into larger farms enclosed by fences or hedges. This led to increased agricultural productivity and the displacement of many rural workers who then sought employment in factories.

Cottage Industry: Before factories emerged, many goods were produced in small-scale workshops or homes. These decentralized production systems were known as cottage industries.